Today is International Woman’s Day and we have sat down with girl boss and CEO of Glitterbels, Annabel Maginnis. International Woman’s Day has been celebrated every year since the early 1900s and happens in the second week of woman’s history month. The national holiday helps to shine a light on women breaking out of the mould and standing together to make a difference. A lot has changed since the day was started, but the journey is far from over.
Join us as we find out why Annabel thinks it’s important to celebrate this worldwide holiday that has been happening for over 100 years, as well as why she thinks it’s crucial to support women in her working life.
1. What tips would you give to other women in the nail industry?
“I think my top tips for anyone in the nail industry would be to always stay up to date with trends and to keep practising. I always find myself screenshotting posts or saving videos to watch later of different nails and designs. I also always have a look through magazines like Scratch for more info. Another great tip for people working in this industry is to always post. Like at least once a day. It’s such a good way of getting your name out there.”
2. What motivates you?
“The number one thing that motivates me is Pearl. I have even named a few of our products after her. Something else that really motivates me is wanting to create high-quality products and inspiring women to join this industry. It’s such a great opportunity for people, especially if they want to own their own business, start a career or work on their own time.”
3. How do you support the women in your working life?
“When we first started Glitterbels we created a support group for our customers to ask questions and share knowledge and it’s one of my favourite things about our business. It’s a platform for all our Ambassadors and Customers to learn new things and share their designs. It doesn’t matter if you have been doing nails for 5 minutes or 5 years, there is something on the support group for everyone!”
4. What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced personally or professionally?
“These past couple of years have been very hectic for our family and the business, with COVID and leaving the EU. There has been a lot of changes to everything, and it takes time to adjust to them. However, we have an amazing team and when the Glitterbels family put their heads together and think outside of the box, we can do anything we set our minds on.”
5. What Women inspire you?
“Charli Jepson, our head of Education is such an inspiration to me. She is so hard-working, and she always picks up the phone no matter what time of day, whether it be work-related or if I just need a good chat. She is a wonderful teacher and always inspires her students to do their best. Another inspiration of mine is Safiyya Vorajee. She is a complete wonder woman and after everything she has gone through, she continues to put others first. She has raised so much awareness for The Azaylia Foundation, it’s just amazing.”
6. What did you think you would be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be a geologist and work for NASA when I was younger.
7. What hopes and dreams do you have for your own daughter one day?
“I want her to be whatever she wants to be, as long as she is happy, then so am I.”
8. Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
I think it is so important as it celebrates woman and all their ideas, strength, and creativity. I think it’s a day that we can all share and lift each other up. I also think it helps push for equality for everyone in the industry and even woman and men in general.
9. What values do you hold close?
“Defiantly being kind. You never know what someone else’s inner battles are and just by being kind and understanding you can help a person have a better day. Being inclusive and supportive are also values that I hold close. One of my main focuses when creating the Glitterbels training academy was to be supportive of people trying to find their way and help others build their confidence. I think it’s so important to help bring out the best in others, especially when they doubt that they can do something.”
10. What would you say to all the women who make Glitterbels possible?
“Thank you all so much. Our customers are amazing, and I appreciate all their hard work and love and support. Glitterbels would not be the same without you. Thank you for helping me create a platform where everyone can learn, share, and create.”
So, there you have it. 10 questions and answers, as to why Annabel Maginnis and the Glitterbels staff celebrate international woman’s day. This interview has given us an insight as to how Annabel has brought women from all different backgrounds together and created a safe space for women to be creative and make a career for themselves. We’ll end this blog with a quote from the lady herself… “Never let anyone dull your sparkle!”